Local Student Selected as Youth Ambassador for White House Conference
Shakopee, Minnesota – Chosen for her exceptional community involvement, local high school junior Summer Brooks will serve as a Youth Ambassador at the 2014 White House Tribal Nations Conference in December.
Summer, a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), is among fewer than 40 Youth Ambassadors from across the country who have been selected to represent their tribes at President Obama’s sixth annual Tribal Nations Conference. At the event, she will have the opportunity to interact with the President and members of the White House Council on Native American Affairs. The Council, which includes more than 30 federal departments and agencies, helps federal officials work more collaboratively and effectively with tribes to advance their economic and social priorities.
Summer is currently the chair of the SMSC Youth Leadership Council, leading the group that has developed its own constitution, bylaws, election system, and objectives. She also urged young SMSC members to attend a college fair and organized transportation for them to attend. She has been involved in several tribal programs, including the SMSC’s Young Native Pride and the Gathering of Native Americans. She was also the runner-up in the SMSC’s first youth royalty program. Summer is interested in cellular biology and teaching, and plans to pursue a college degree.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity to expand my leadership skills and play a part in helping tribal governments and the federal government work better together,” said Summer, who will attend the conference with Chairman Charlie Vig, the SMSC’s tribal delegate, from December 1-3.
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated nearly $300 million to organizations and causes since opening the Gaming Enterprise in the 1990s and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.